Don Rickles

Emmy Award-winning comedian "Mr. Warmth"

Don Rickles is one of comedy’s most famous funny men, entertaining audiences for more than 55 years. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the New York native turned to stand-up comedy when unable to find work in his field of study: dramatic acting. Audiences seemed to enjoy the barbs he directed at hecklers more than his prepared material, so Rickles began building his act around making fun of people.

In 1958, Rickles made his dramatic film debut in Run Silent, Run Deep. Throughout the 1960s, he appeared frequently on TV sitcoms and dramatic series. As his career progressed, Rickles was a popular guest on television talk shows; Johnny Carson affectionately dubbed him “Mr. Warmth.”

Rickles won the Emmy Award in 2008 for the comedy documentary about his life and career, Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project. In the spring of 2012 at the Comedy Awards in New York City, Rickles became the second recipient of the prestigious Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence. He has published two books and remains a popular stand-up performer and TV personality.